Addison showing why the Pens were elated to draft him

BUFFALO, New York - Penguins scouts have had their eye on defenseman Calen Addison for the past year. But the entire brass - from scouts to management to coaches - got their first look at him in a black and gold uniform at the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo.
And judging by his first two games, the defensive prospect was as advertised.

"He's quick, he's small, but he's very, very crafty. He's going to utilize his body in one-on-one battles," Wilkes-Barre/Scranton head coach Clark Donatelli said. "He's got a really good stick and a lot of skill. He's going to be a fine player going forward. We're very, very impressed with him."
Addison, Pittsburgh's second-round pick (53rd overall) in this past June's draft, is certainly blessed with high-end skill. He has great vision, an excellent breakout pass and a high hockey IQ. The Brandon, Manitoba native was hoping that would translate during this weekend's tournament.
"Just show my offensive skills. I want to show that I can defend hard in all three zones of the ice," Addison said. "I know that's what I need to do to get better. Just do what I do and have fun with the puck."
Addison showed just that. Whether it was his crisp passing, poise on the power play, positioning in the defensive zone or his willingness to jump into the rush.
"You saw some of his skill here tonight," Donatelli said. "He's a good one. He's only going to get better. It's his first time coming (to the Prospect Challenge). He looked poised out there. He's got a lot of skill."
With it being the first time Addison, 18, has attended the yearly tournament, it is also his first taste of competition against other top prospects in the NHL - some of whom were top draft picks.
"It's really hard and fast and there's lots of hitting," he said. "Everyone is trying to prove a point. There are guys a lot older than I am.
"I think it's just the speed. Everyone is going as hard as they can. Everyone is finishing every check. It's a lot faster."
While it is likely that Addison will be returned to his junior team of Lethbridge of the Western Hockey League, he could still make a strong case for himself with Penguins' training camp to begin next week. But Addison isn't thinking about that right now.
"I'm not looking too far ahead," he said. "I'm just taking it one day at a time. I'm still young. I just want to come in everyday, work as hard as I can and show them what I've got. I'll try to go as far as I can and whatever happens, happens."
Note:The Pens dropped to 0-2 in the tournament with a 6-2 loss to New Jersey on Saturday afternoon.